Annual celebration comes off without a hitch
Ojai Valley News photo by Tim Dewar
Parade participants get in the spirit with a bit of face makeup and fuzzy ears.
Perry Van Houten, Ojai Valley News reporter
Four-year-old Ryder Mazza, of Mira Monte, said his favorites were "the horsies and the big dog."
The Delamore family of Ojai agreed the horses were great, but Nathaniel, 13, Conor, 11 and Shane, 9, also liked the Model A cars, Corvettes and "the señoritas."
The 2018 Ojai Independence Day Parade stepped off at 10 a.m. to temperatures in the 70s.
Nearly 60 entries, led by the Vietnam Veterans of Ventura County, paraded up a chair-lined Ojai Avenue, from Country Club Drive to Park Road.
Entries included horse and school groups, classic and antique vehicles, and first responders such as the Ventura County Fire Department and Upper Ojai Search and Rescue.
“I loved the diversity and seeing all the different groups and organizations,” said Ojai Independence Day Committee president Kristi McGhee-Adejumo. “Everybody seemed to have a great time.”
Photo by Holly Roberts
Fireworks silhouette a group of watchers during this year’s July 4 celebration in Ojai.
Sixth-grade move is gathering steam
Andra Belknap, Ojai Valley News reporter
The Ojai Unified School District’s (OUSD) School Board will host a special meeting April 19 to discuss potentially moving the District’s sixth graders to Matilija Junior High School.
Due to declining enrollment across the District, Matilija’s population of seventh and eighth graders is set to shrink to 325 students by the 2020-2021 school year if no changes are made.
OUSD Superintendent Andy Cantwell said District staff is busily gathering information for the April 19 session.
See also: “Sixth-grade move looks financially feasible,” Ojai Valley News, Feb. 20, 2018.
OUSD Assistant Superintendent Sherrill Knox is gauging the interest of current elementary-school teachers in being part of a transition team that would guide Matilija’s change from junior high to middle school, Cantwell said.
“If this were to move forward, current faculty will be involved in developing the concept,” Cantwell said.
Council may vote itself a pay raise
Andra Belknap, Ojai Valley News reporter
The Ojai City Council voted four to one April 10 to direct city staff to draft an ordinance that would raise their stipends for the first time since 2006.
Ojai's five Council members each receive a $475 monthly stipend for their work. The proposed ordinance will raise that amount to $760 per month, an annual increase of $3,420 per member.
Mayor Johnny Johnston was the lone vote in opposition to the raise, arguing that the matter should be discussed during the Council's April 24 budget workshop.
Under California Government Code, Council salaries may be increased by five percent each calendar year.
Ojai's Municipal Code states that City Council members may receive a $75 monthly salary monthly and that amount may not be increased without an affirmative vote of the city's electorate.
In a staff report provided to the Council, Ojai City Manager Steve McClary stated that section of the municipal code is not currently operative.
The $75 amount was set in 1968, he said.
Commissioners' top priority for city staff is parking
Perry Van Houten, Ojai Valley News reporter
With an eye on fixing the parking problem downtown, the Ojai Planning Commission met April 4 to talk about priorities for the city's Community Development Department (CDD).
“I don't know if this just coincides with my recent arrival, but it seemed like a good way for me to get up to speed on things,” said Luke Connolly, incoming community development director for the city of Ojai.
In February, Connolly became the sixth person in six years to serve as CDD director.
The discussion was aimed at not only prioritizing, Connolly said, but looking at short-term items that can be finished versus mid-term and long-term.
“To get these things in somewhat of a fixed order, to see what we tackle first and maybe get extended timelines as to how long it will take to get through some of these things,” Connolly said, “or even identifying resources we may need to complete these.”
Find out if mermaids exist with photo group
Photo by Briana Diamond
Mermaid photo composition by Briana Diamond
By Letitia Grimes, Special to the Ojai Valley News
The Ojai Photography Community welcomes Ventura-based photographer, Briana Diamond, who will present “Riders of Waves, Mermaids and Milkmaids.” Do mermaids really exist? To find out, visit Help of Ojai’s Kent Hall, 111 W. Santa Ana St., Ojai, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16. The public is invited to this free event.
Third Friday at Poppies
Submitted photo
Hal Waite
“I was much influenced by Asia,” says Stephen Carter, who spent part of his childhood in the Philippines. “My father was a boat builder there and I got involved in making things.” Now retired after teaching art at Thacher School for 30 years, he is making a series of abstract pieces that combine loose printmaking and slow and considered painting. He is also producing a series of colorful Buddha-inspired wood sculptures at his West End studio, which will be open to the public on July 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as part of Ojai Studio Artists Second Saturday Tour.
Featured Artist Stephen Carter
Image submitted
Abstract painting by Stephen Carter
“I was much influenced by Asia,” says Stephen Carter, who spent part of his childhood in the Philippines. “My father was a boat builder there and I got involved in making things.” Now retired after teaching art at Thacher School for 30 years, he is making a series of abstract pieces that combine loose printmaking and slow and considered painting. He is also producing a series of colorful Buddha-inspired wood sculptures at his West End studio, which will be open to the public on July 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as part of Ojai Studio Artists Second Saturday Tour.
A tide of talent for Art Center Benefit
A one-night benefit for the Ojai Art Center Theater will feature Ojai’s own Peter Strauss along with Jean Smart and Michael Nathanson performing a staged reading of "The Outgoing Tide" by Bruce Graham. A unique gift for both the theater and the community, the play is produced by the Ojai Performing Arts Theater and directed by Strauss for one night only — July 20 — at the Matilija Auditorium. All proceeds go directly to the Ojai Art Center Theater.
McDonas with Hay at Beato Center
Photo by Jason Finkelman
Thollem McDonas at the piano.
The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts presents Thollem McDonas, an internationally renowned pianist, keyboardist, composer, improviser, singer-songwriter, activist, author and teacher on July 20 at 7 p.m. at the center, 8585 Ojai Road in Upper Ojai.
Ojai, Ventura artists launch brand-new theater company
Four veterans of Ventura County theater launched The Beacon Theater Company in May at Namba, a performing arts venue at 47 S. Oak St., Ventura, and are wasting no time in opening July 12 through 28 with Joe Penhall’s comedy “Blue/Orange.”
Steve Grumette, Anna Kotula, Tom Eubanks, and Howard Leader formed the new company to bring innovative, intimate theater to Ventura County, including frequent showcases of new works.
Banjos at Ojai Underground Exchange
Singer-songwriters and five-string banjo players — Donna Lynn Caskey, Abby Posner and Rebecca Troon — will showcase their talents July 20 at the Ojai Underground Exchange located at 1016 W. Ojai Ave. in Ojai. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. show.
The musicians write, sing and play from the heart, creating genuine connections with audiences. Admission is by suggested donation of $20 at the door. Beverages and artists’ recordings will also be available for purchase.
For more information, contact Caskey at dlc@donnalynncaskey. com or 805-758-2105 or visit http://www.donnalynncaskey.com.